Fair Work Approves ‘Modest’ 3.5% Minimum Wage Rise

The Fair Work Commission has today granted a 3.5% increase in weekly minimum wage to $719.20 and $18.93/hour. Considered a ‘modest’ lift by unions, some commentators assert the increase does not align with Australia’s current economy, and could result in jobs cuts.

As part of the commission’s annual review, minimum wage workers will receive a $24.30/week increase from July 1st.

The rise is less than half of what the ACTU pushed for – a record $50/per week pay increase.

ACTU secretary, Sally McManus, claims the increase is a “step forward to a living wage” but is still “not a living wage”.

Fair Work Commission: The increase we’ve decided on won’t lead to inflationary pressure. We’ve decided it’s appropriate to increase the national minimum wage by 3.5 per cent. The new minimum wage will be $719.20 a week or $18.93 an hour.